Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that makes apples shine! It combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy cinnamon topping—perfect for any occasion.
There’s just something special about the smell of cinnamon in the air. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well when baking. Fuji apples add sweetness. If you don’t have these, any firm apple, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, can work well too!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the apple filling. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give a hearty texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, or swap half of them for ground almonds for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter contributes to the rich flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work nicely.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the dish. You can replace it with pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor dimension.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
A crunchy topping is key to a great apple crisp! Follow these tips to nail it:
- Use cold butter—this keeps the topping crumbly. Cut your butter into small pieces and don’t overmix!
- Combine your ingredients carefully: mix the oats, flour, and sugar in a bowl, then add butter. Work it until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create that perfect texture when baked.
- If you like extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the topping mixture.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups apples (such as Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. After that, let it cool slightly before serving. In just over an hour, you’ll have a warm, delightful dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your apple crisp cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, get your baking dish ready—lightly grease a 9×9-inch dish or a similar size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mixing them helps enhance the natural sweetness of the apples. Once well combined, spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add in the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix these ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create that delightful crunch when baked!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples well to ensure a crispy top for every serving!
5. Bake:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown and the apples to be tender and bubbling underneath. The aroma will fill your kitchen—enjoy it!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Then, serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top, if desired. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices for their sweet and tart balance, you can use any firm apple like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix for added flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure you use gluten-free oats. They work just as well!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover Cinnamon Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the topping in the fridge until you’re ready to bake to maintain its crunch.